Press Releases

Documentary Launched to Celebrate People of Determination in Run Up to Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019

06 March 2019

Abu Dhabi,

Mubadala, in partnership with the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, has launched a short film titled ‘DetermiNATION’. The powerful documentary celebrates People of Determination and the UAE’s Special Olympics athletes by exploring their challenges and achievements.

The short film focuses on the personal stories of People of Determination, aiming to encourage volunteer work and community initiatives that have an impact during and after the Games. By presenting real life experiences, the documentary celebrates the successes and achievements of a group of inspiring individuals from across the Emirate.

Homaid Al Shimmari, Deputy Group CEO and Chief Corporate & Human Capital Officer, Mubadala, said: “In just a few weeks the Capital will play host to the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. This major global event demonstrates the UAE’s commitment towards creating an inclusive society for people with determination.

“We want to help evolve the understanding of People of Determination in the community and showcase the important contribution they make as an integral part of society,” he added. “Our motivation comes from these athletes. Their perseverance, passion and dedication is remarkable and demonstrates to us all that nothing should get in the way of being active, contributing to the community and reaching for your dreams.

“Today, the UAE is making significant progress in its inclusion of People of Determination. But it’s a long road ahead and we need to continually assess how we can contribute to an inclusive and open society. I hope people enjoy the perspective offered by this powerful documentary.”

The stories included in the film all aim to explore personal perspectives on the issue of inclusion in Abu Dhabi. The documentary includes Hamda Al Hosani, an Emirati athlete and a Special Olympics gold winner since 2008; Saif Al Qubaisi, a fourteen-year old talented Emirati golfer at the Special Olympics World Games; Mohammed Hayder, a thirteen-year old resident diagnosed with autism; and Clari Lehmkuhl, a certified Zumba instructor.

The Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 will take place from March 14-21 with 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches representing more than 170 countries. The Games will see the biggest humanitarian sporting event in the world coming to the UAE, marking its first debut in the history of the MENA region.